How It Works

Why It Is Used

Can be controlled only with long-term use of
corticosteroids. Immunomodulators may be used so that the doctor can lower the
dose of corticosteroids that a person is taking. This is called "steroid
sparing."

How Well It Works

Crohn's disease

Azathioprine and mercaptopurine work to keep people who have Crohn's disease in remission. They are also used to allow the person to stop using corticosteroids.1

Mercaptopurine may be able to prevent Crohn's disease from coming back after surgery. It can at least lengthen the amount of time without disease after surgery. It's likely that azathioprine works as well.1

Methotrexate works to stop symptoms of active Crohn's disease and to put the disease in remission. It can keep Crohn's disease in remission when taken long term. It is also used to help people who have Crohn's disease stop taking corticosteroids.1

Ulcerative colitis

Azathioprine and mercaptopurine work to stop active symptoms of ulcerative colitis. They can also be used to help people who have ulcerative colitis stop taking corticosteroids.1

Side Effects

All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.

Here are some important things to think about:

Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.

Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.

If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:

Trouble breathing.

Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Azathioprine and mercaptopurine

Call your doctor if you have:

Hives.

Signs of an infection, such as a sore throat, fever, sneezing, or coughing.

Lower back or side pain, especially with painful urination.

Signs of unusual bleeding or bruising, such as black and tarry stools or blood in the urine.

Unusual tiredness or weakness.

Yellow eyes or skin.

Severe belly pain.

Aching joints, a headache that won't go away, or a fever.

Common side effects include:

Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.

Diarrhea.

Itching or a rash.

Methotrexate

Call your doctor if you have:

Hives.

Signs of an infection, such as a sore throat, fever, sneezing, or coughing.

Bloody vomit.

Signs of unusual bleeding or bruising, such as black and tarry stools or blood in the urine.

Diarrhea.

Stomach pain.

Sores in the mouth or on the lips.

Common side effects include:

Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.

Hair loss.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is
not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

These medicines can stop your immune system from fighting infection. When you are taking this medicine (and even when you have finished taking it), try not to be around people who are sick. And make sure you talk to your doctor before you get any vaccinations.

These medicines may increase your risk of getting cancer, including lymphoma.

Do not drink alcohol when you are taking these medicines. Combining alcohol with these medicines can increase your risk for liver damage.

Other immunomodulators that may be used for Crohn's disease include mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), tacrolimus (Prograf), and thalidomide (Thalomid).

Taking medicine

Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.

There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.

Advice for women

Azathioprine and mercaptopurine

Women who use this medicine during pregnancy have a slightly higher chance of having a baby with birth defects. If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, you and your doctor must weigh the risks of using this medicine against the risks of not treating your condition.

Methotrexate

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant. If you need to use this medicine, talk to your doctor about how you can prevent pregnancy.

Checkups

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use.
How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.